In a huge boost for Irish rugby, Munster scrum-half Conor Murray has signed a new two-year deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Murray, who played for the British & Irish Lions in the summer, had been strongly linked with a move to Toulouse but he has turned his back on a switch to the Top 14 and has opted to re-sign with Munster.

IRFU CEO Philip Browne said: "Conor has made a significant impact on Munster and Irish rugby since making his breakthrough in 2011. We are delighted that he has signed a new contract that will keep him at Munster until the end of the 2016 season."

Murray will now hope to add to his tally of 22 caps for Ireland and his coach at Munster Rob Penney is looking forward to seeing the scrum-half develop at Munster.

"Conor has illustrated in recent months the value he brings to not only Munster but to the national team as well," Penney said. "At 24 he is still a young guy and he has the potential to go on to become one of the best scrum-halves in the game."